BioPass (New Singapore International Passport)
All Singapore passports issued from 15 Aug 2006 will be biometrically-enabled (BioPass).
Singaporeans holding the current non-biometric machine-readable passports may wish to apply for the new BioPass to enjoy visa-free travel to the United States of America (USA) under the US Visa Waiver Programme.
You may wish to apply for a Singapore International Passport (i.e. BioPass) using the applications form (Form IMM E11 (OS) and Form P 28.3) which are available at http://www.ica.gov.sg/cms/files/forms/Form_IMME_11_OS.pdf or submit it online at https://apples.ica.gov.sg/apples/index.xhtml. The completed application forms can then be submitted either in person (adult) or through a proxy at the Singapore Embassy in Hanoi.
Validity
The new BioPass is valid for 5 years. If your existing passport carries a remaining validity of 9 months or less, the remaining validity of your passport will be carried over to your new passport. In such a case, your new passport will have a validity period of 5 years, plus the remaining validity of your old passport. However, if your existing passport has more than 9 months' validity, your new passport will have a validity period of 5 years and 9 months.
Passport Renewal
This service is extended to Singaporeans working or residing in Hanoi. To renew Singapore Passport, you may either do so online (APPLES system) via http://www.ica.gov.sg/, (passport would be ready in 2-3 weeks, please indicate that the collection point is in Hanoi) or apply directly (in person) at our office (passport would be ready in 3-5 weeks, and payment is done at point of collection). For both methods, you may receive the new passport at the Singapore Embassy in Hanoi.
I For online Passport Renewal:
You may wish to go online via https://apples.ica.gov.sg/apples/index.xhtml. A fee of S$80should be paid online by Visa/Master Card.
II For Passport Renewal at Singapore Embassy in Hanoi:
1. Required documents:
a. Application Form (Form IMME 11) http://www.ica.gov.sg/cms/files/forms/Form_IMME_11_OS.pdf
b. Additional Information Forms (Form P28.3) http://www.ica.gov.sg/cms/files/passport/FormP28_3.pdf
c. A photograph, passport-sized with white background, taken within the last 3 months, matt or semi-matt finish;
d. A copy of applicant’s current passport;
e. A copy of applicant’s Vietnam Temporary Residence Card;
2. Submission Time:
Completed applications and supporting documents are to be submitted to the Singapore Embassy in Hanoi during operating hours from Monday to Friday, 9 am –12 noon.
No appointment is required.
3. Processing Time: 3 – 5 weeks
4. Processing Fee:
Cash payment of VND1,340,000 would have to be made at point of collection.
5. Collection of Passport
We will inform you of the collection date when we have received the passport from the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority. Collection of passport has to be done in person.
6. Note to Applicants:
Upon collection of the new passport, the old passport will be cancelled and returned to you.
The new passport number will be different from the old passport. If you have a visa/ permit tied to the old passport number, you would be required to get it transferred to the new passport at the local immigration office before being allowed to leave the country.
Passport Extension
Extension of passport validity is not allowed on the new Singapore Biometric Passport (BioPass). BioPass holders whose passports are running out of pages or reaching its full validity have to apply for a new passport.
NS-Liable Males
With the introduction of BioPass, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has decided to remove passport controls for NS-liable males and allow them to be issued with passports of full validity.
Exit control measures however continue to be relevant and necessary. MINDEF has decided to extend exit permit requirements, which currently affect only males aged 16½ to enlistment, to males aged 13 to below 16½.
To avoid inconveniencing those who make short overseas trips during vacations, an exit permit will only be required for overseas trips of 3 months or longer. To apply for Exit Permit, please visit MINDEF website at http://www.ns.sg/.
Those who require exit permit of 2 years or longer will be required to furnish a bond. This bonding requirement is similar to the current arrangement where security in the form of Banker's Guarantee must be furnished. The amount of the security bond is S$75,000 or 50% of the combined gross annual income of both parents for the preceding year, whichever is higher. The monetary bond requirement for male citizens who accompany their parents on overseas employment may be waived and they be bonded by deed with two sureties.
There will be no change to the exit permit and bonding requirements for NS-liable males aged 16½ to enlistment.
Pre-enlistees who have any enquiries can contact the NS Portal Customer Service Centre at Tel: (65) 1800-3676767 (1800-eNSNSNS) or email: contact@ns.sg. They can also refer to the NS portal (http://www.ns.sg/) for more information.
Notice to Travellers
Most countries require passports to be valid for at least 6 months on the date of entry. You are advised to renew your passport early.
For Singaporeans who are returning directly to Singapore, Singapore passports with validity less than 6 months is acceptable for the return journey. In such instances, flight tickets may only be purchased directly with the airline/service provider (not online ticket purchases).